Heart rate 57 on an adult - what does it mean?

Where 57 bpm sits on the adult scale

What a resting pulse of 57 means

A pulse in the 50s at rest is typical for people who exercise regularly, and for most adults first thing in the morning. Large population studies associate lower resting heart rates — within the normal range — with better cardiovascular fitness.

It matters only if it comes with symptoms such as unusual tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting, or if it is a new change for you without a training explanation.

Ranges apply to adults and children aged 10 and older, measured at rest (American Heart Association). By the numbers: at 57 bpm the heart beats about every 1.05 seconds — roughly 82,080 beats a day.

When 57 comes with weight loss or restrictive eating

Most people who see a resting pulse of 57 are healthy, often active, and need do nothing. There is one group for whom a slow pulse carries a different meaning: people whose body weight is very low, or who have been eating far too little, whether through an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, an extreme diet, or illness.

When the body does not get enough energy, it saves fuel wherever it can. Metabolism slows, body temperature drops and the heart beats less often. A slow rate in this setting is not a sign of fitness, even if the person exercises a lot. It is a sign of the body conserving energy, and the heart muscle itself can lose mass.

Signs that point to under-nutrition rather than fitness

• a resting rate that has fallen while weight has dropped, rather than while training improved
• feeling cold most of the time, with cold hands and feet
• dizziness or blackouts on standing
• missed or stopped periods
• tiredness, poor concentration and falling performance despite hard exercise
• a pulse that drops further overnight, often into the 40s or lower

Repeated vomiting or use of laxatives or diuretics adds another risk, because these can upset potassium and other minerals that keep the heartbeat stable. Low potassium can make the rhythm irregular and is dangerous.

Athletes in sports that reward low weight, such as distance running, gymnastics, dance or rowing, can slip into this state without a formal eating disorder. Doctors call it low energy availability.

Getting support

If this sounds like you or someone close to you, a primary care doctor is a good first step. A check usually includes weight, blood pressure lying and standing, an ECG and blood tests for electrolytes. These results guide how quickly care is needed and help keep refeeding safe.

Recovery of the heart is usually good. As nutrition and weight are restored under medical supervision, the resting pulse tends to rise back toward a more typical level, and the heart muscle regains strength.

Eating disorders are medical conditions, not choices, and they respond to treatment. Talking about it is often the hardest part. If you notice fainting, chest pain, a very irregular heartbeat or confusion, call 911. For general context on how resting rates vary between healthy people, see the resting heart rate overview.

For a reliable resting value, sit quietly for five minutes first and average a few mornings: Resting Heart Rate: What It Says About Your Health. You can also measure by tapping along on the start page.

Nearby values

• 52 bpm
• 53 bpm
• 54 bpm
• 55 bpm
• 56 bpm
• 58 bpm
• 59 bpm
• 60 bpm
• 61 bpm
• 62 bpm

Measured on a child instead? See heart rate 57 in a child.

Sources: American Heart Association: All About Heart Rate · MedlinePlus: Pulse · ACSM position stand on exercise intensity (2011)

This page explains a single reading in general terms. It is not a diagnosis. Heart rate alone cannot tell whether the rhythm is regular or whether the heart is healthy — if you are worried, talk to a doctor.